Gangs and Society

Catalog description

Description: This course provides an overview of gangs as social phenomena. Gangs of particular interest include youth gangs, urban/rural gangs, street gangs, prison gangs, military gangs, and outlaw motorcycle gangs. The course additionally analyzes how socially-constructed group characteristics (i.e., race, class, gender and ethnicity) relate to gang membership. U.S. street and prison gangs receive extensive coverage. Social alternatives to gangs are discussed as well.